16 Pieces of Pregnancy Advice for 1st Time Moms in their Third Trimester

How exciting!! You’re in your third trimester of pregnancy – the home stretch!

I’m sure you are ready to meet your little one and experience the joy of motherhood. 🙂

But even with all the excitement, there are probably lots of things on your to-do list in order to get ready for sweet baby. While that list is important, make sure you’re not so wrapped up in to-do lists that you end up missing out on the memories that this trimester brings.

As with most things in life, the first two trimesters of your pregnancy probably flew by, and your third will too!

So it’s important to follow these pieces of pregnancy advice while you’re in your third trimester to help you stay stress-free and get ready for the birth!

1) Attend the birthing class or course you signed up for during your second trimester.

A birthing class or course will help prepare your husband for what to expect during labor and delivery. It will also help you learn what to expect as well as techniques you can use to ease the pain of labor and birth.

2) If you’re working outside the home, talk with your employer about maternity leave if you haven’t already.

Many moms find it is SO hard to return to work after being home with their newborn baby. It’s difficult letting someone else take care of your child while you are at work.

Try and get the longest possible maternity leave so you are more emotionally ready to return to work when the time comes.

3) Now that you’re in your third trimester, begin planning your baby shower.

Yay! The time to celebrate with friends and family has arrived! And keep in mind, you don’t need to plan your own baby shower, your mom or mother-in-law can, or you can all do it together, there’s no right or wrong way.

4) Buy any other items you need.

If you still have items on your list that you didn’t get at the baby shower, now is the time to go out and get them.

5) Finish getting the baby’s room ready.

I know after the baby’s room is ready, everything will look perfect and you can probably already picture your little boy or girl sleeping in the crib.

But don’t be disappointed if your baby doesn’t sleep in it for some time after he/she is born. You may find you both sleep better if they sleep near your bed.

However, completing the baby’s room will help you feel more prepared and organized.

6) Begin visiting day-care centers if you plan to work after having the baby.

Depending on where you live, child care currently range anywhere from $500/month-$1500/month with the average being $900/month. And generally, you get what you pay for. So cheaper isn’t always better, especially when it comes to the care of your child.

Another thing to keep in mind when it comes to child care, is your baby will get sick more often which means you or your husband will need to make sure you have jobs where you can easily take time off without consequences.

And it’s SO important to look up reviews of the child-care center you and your husband are looking at. If you’re not going to stay home with your baby, don’t skip this step.

7) Continue doing yoga.

Doing regular yoga during your pregnancy has many benefits! Besides strengthening your body for birth, yoga also has shown to help expecting mothers experience better sleep, fewer headaches, decreased back pain, and more!

I recommend you read these articles for more information on prenatal yoga:

9) Don’t go crazy on nursing bra shopping.

Your breasts will grow further once they begin producing milk. So you may find that many of the bras you’re wearing or buying now, won’t fit while you’re breastfeeding.

10) Stay hydrated.

“It is really important to stay hydrated throughout your pregnancy, especially at the end. Your body needs lots of water for cell regeneration, proper circulation and maintaining blood supply to the baby’s amniotic fluid. If water has become boring to you, don’t turn to pop or juice. Instead find ways to spice up your water, like adding fruit, cucumbers or a little carbonation for a variety of tastes. Coconut water is a great option too. It is very hydrating and full of electrolytes and loaded with potassium.” [2]

11) Soothe heartburn naturally.

During your third trimester, your baby begins growing very quickly causing your organs to compress and push upwards. This can increase symptoms of heartburn and acid reflux.

To minimize the feelings of heartburn and acid reflux, try these natural remedies:

If you don’t want to give birth at home, it would be beneficial to tour nearby hospitals and birthing centers during your third trimester so you can find which one fits your idea of a comfortable birthing experience.

13) Schedule a time to take maternity pictures.

The third trimester is the perfect time for maternity pictures. You’ll be glad you did this! 🙂

14) Pack your hospital bag.

Around the 36 week mark, it’s a good idea to have a hospital bag packed (or at least mostly packed) so you aren’t stressing about what to bring to the hospital or birthing center when you go into labor.

A quick google search for “hospital bag essentials for giving birth” will bring up lots of ideas and checklists. Some of the main items you should pack are:

* Calming items (Music, Essential Oils like lavender, ylang ylang, and peppermint – these 3 are safe to use during pregnancy, but if you’re bringing others, make sure they are too – Back Massager and a Heat Pad – you’ll want these especially if you have back labor.)

* Nursing bra and a couple of nursing pads

* Lip balm

* Going home outfit for you (something comfortable and loose) and baby

* The baby’s car seat

15) Now is the time to create your birthing plan.

Whether you are giving birth at home, in a birthing center, or at a hospital, this is an important step to take. To understand more about birthing plans, and to create yours, click here.

16) Don’t panic if you go past your due date.

The 40 week mark of your pregnancy is just an estimate to around the time you may deliver. However, some babies are developed and ready to be born at 37 weeks, and others need 41 weeks.

But technically you’re full term after 36 weeks. And there are many babies who are born between 40-42 weeks.

So don’t rush it; your baby will be born when he/she is ready.

And an extra piece of advice: sleep, sleep, sleep! Your sleep schedule is going to change quite a bit after the delivery so get what extra sleep you can now.

And congratulations to you and your husband! I wish you a wonderful and stress-free third trimester, labor, and delivery!

Hi! I'm Serena. I'm a woman who loves God, my family, and living in the mountains. I am dedicated to encouraging healthy lifestyles, supporting people with cancer, and helping everyone increase their faith and strength.